HARRIS COUNTY MASTER GARDENER NEWSLETTER • JANUARY 2019 UrbanDirt Preparing Garden Beds & Lawns Gardening Events and Information for Texans

Winter Prep for Spring by Terri Simon, Master Gardener How do I know the new year is here? I’ve already received my first seed catalogs. My fingers hover over the keyboard while trying to whittle down my wish list for the spring. Loving garden- ing means you plan ahead for the future. Future gardens, that is. I grow the bulk of my things in pots but I plan ahead for upcoming events. Many gardeners start prepping their lawns and their beds for spring. If you have been thinking of making changes, now is as good a time as any to start. My new year’s resolution this year? – attempt to grow more from seeds and cuttings. Here are some tips as you start the new year. • Address spots with drainage issues. • Assess beds which might have issues. Photo courtesy of http://www.keysindy.com • Remove dead plants from beds and pots. • Prune plants as necessary. for spring. Weed and till if necessary. Draw rough outlines of your • Plant or transplant dormant trees and bushes. garden and/or planned garden and keep them in your garden jour- • Mulch all plants. nal. Include known plant names and varieties. Plant tags can fade • Divide spring perennials such as bulbs, grasses, etc. and float away. Start planning any new garden changes now. • Gather all debris and either compost it or “kick it to If you are looking for new plants, don’t forget our upcom- the curb.” ing plant sales. On January 26, 2019, the Bear Creek Harris • Follow your homeowner’s association rules, though, County Master Gardeners will hold a Fruit Tree and Tomato Sale and recycle if possible. at Richard & Meg Weekley Park, 19110 Longenbaugh Road, It’s not too late to add a pop of color by purchasing cool season Cypress, Texas. annuals, both flowers and vegetables. Depending on the crop, now The Spring Sale for Tomatoes, Peppers, Herb, Vegetable and is the time to start some plants from seeds. Tomato and pepper Perennial Sale on March 9, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. lovers in our area may already have a start on their seedlings. will also be held at the Richard and Meg Weekley Park. During this winter downtime, start prepping your garden tools cont’d on pg. 4

Upcoming Events ...... 2 Plant of the Month ...... 3 Bear Creek West Side Fruit Tree Sale...... 4 Herb of the Month...... 5 Genoa Friendship Gardens Fruit Tree Sale...... 6 Master Gardeners in the City...... 7 Ask A Master Gardener...... 8 Genoa Friendship Gardens - Open Garden Day ...... 9 Gardening Tools ...... 10 URBAN DIRT • JANUARY 2019

Upcoming Events January 2019 Green Thumb Gardening Series Preparing Garden Beds & Lawns Jan. 10, Barbara Bush Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Jan. 17, Freeman Branch Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Jan. 19, Maude Smith Marks Library, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Open Garden Day Jan. 29, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m., Weekley Community Center - Open Garden Day Children’s Activities. Registration required by Sunday, Jan. 27th to: [email protected]. Weekley Community Center, 8440 Greenhouse Rd., Cypress, TX Master Gardener Lecture Series Jan. 10, GFG Second Thursday 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. New Plant Introductions from the California Spring Trials by Paul Winski, Harris County Extension Agent. Genoa Friendship Gardens Education Center building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. Plants for sale in the Greenhouse.

February 2019 Green Thumb Gardening Series Spring Vegetable Gardening Feb. 7, Barbara Bush Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Feb. 16, Maude Smith Marks Library, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Feb. 19, Spring Branch Memorial Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Feb. 21, Freeman Branch Library, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Open Garden Day Feb. 26, 10:00 - 11:15 a.m., Weekley Community Center Registration required by Sunday, Feb. 24th to: ogd.harrishort@gmail. com. Weekley Community Center, 8440 Greenhouse Rd., Cypress, TX Master Gardener Lecture Series Feb. 14, GFG Second Thursday 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. Healthy Soils by Sherrie Harrah, Plants for All Seasons. Genoa Friendship Gardens Education Center building, 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Rd. Plants for sale in the Greenhouse. 2019 Plant Sales Bear Creek West Side Genoa Friendship Gardens Location: Richard & Meg Weekley Park Location: Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds 19110 Longenbaugh Road, Cypress, Texas 7600 Red Bluff Rd. Fruit Tree Sale Fruit Tree & Tomato Sale Jan. 26, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m Feb. 23, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Tomato/Pepper/Herb, Roses and Perennial Sale Perennials, Herbs & Peppers Spring Sale Mar. 9, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Mar. 30, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Have Garden Questions? Email your questions and photos to: phone [email protected] or Call us Monday – Friday 9:00 am to Noon at 713-274-0950

Visit txmg.org or contact the Harris County Extension Office, 713-274-0950,[email protected] for information.

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Plant of the Month - Blueberries (Vaccinium ashei & Vaccinium hybrids) by Beth Braun, Master Gardener “It all starts with the soil.” So says Sid Moorhead about grow- flavor, and chill hours ing blueberries. What started as his father’s hobby in the mid-70’s (number of hours turned into a commercial operation of about 4,000 plants on below 45°F), with 20 acres, which Sid now runs as the “you-pick your own” varieties requiring the Moorhead’s Blueberry Farm in Conroe. His father’s Planting lowest chill hours typi- and Growing Instructions for Blueberries begins with “Select a cally blooming and well-drained site”. Texas A&M’s AgriLife Extension article on setting fruit early. To Rabbiteye blueberries reinforces the need for an acidic soil that’s promote best pollina- neither sandy nor heavy clay 1. A pH of 4.0 to 6.0 is required tion and production, for good plant growth. When the native soil isn’t ideal—which Sid recommends that describes much of Texas soils—shredded pine bark or peat moss home growers plant are good organic amendments. More on that later. at least two plants of Blueberries in bloom Grown in the right soil, blueberries are a relatively easy fruit different varieties that crop to grow, because they have very few serious pests and low bloom around the same time. At his farm, around 20 varieties are nutritional requirements 1. That makes blueberries an excellent planted strategically to promote cross-pollination by bees from choice for organic farms and home gardens. Quoting again from on-site hives. What’s his favorite? For both cooking and fresh eat- the senior Mr. Moorhead, “No fertilizer is better than too much”. ing, it’s the Premier which he describes as a “show horse”. The AgriLife article describes blueberries as sensitive to over- Planting fertilization, especially those that are newly planted. Detailed Blueberries grow best in full sun, but tolerate afternoon shade fertilizing recommendations for what to use and when to use it in our area. Spacing is determined by the variety’s size at maturi- are available in the article. The biggest pest is birds, which can ty; some can grow to be 15’ tall and 10’ wide. They have shallow, be deterred with Mylar flash tape or netting. fibrous roots similar to an azalea’s, and container grown plants With their high are prone to have tight root balls. Dig a hole 12-15” deep and concentration of 24-36” or more in diameter for each plant, and mix in at least antioxidants, blue- 5 gallons of rotted pine bark or peat moss. Loosen up the roots berries are a great thoroughly before placing a plant in the hole at the same depth choice for home as it was in the container. Backfill with the amended soil, being growers interested careful not to smother the shallow roots with too much soil. in production Water thoroughly and mulch with pine needles or rotted pine gardens. The bark to a depth of 4” – 6” and 24” – 36” in diameter. The mulch Master Gardener will add acidity to the soil, suppress weeds and protect the shal- fruit tree sales in low roots from extreme temperatures. Raised beds are an option Pink Lemonade blueberries January and in low, flat areas. Manure must be avoided as a soil amendment, February will mulch or fertilizer, because it’s alkaline and contains salts that feature Premier, Climax, Pink Lemonade, Tifblue, Emerald, are unfriendly to blueberries. Jewel (new variety), Rebel (new variety), and Sunshine Blue. Pruning (See Upcoming Events on page 2 for dates and locations.) It takes blueberries several years in the ground to produce fruit Each variety has its own traits including fruit size, color and on two- to three-year-old branches. Home growers should cont’d on pg. 6

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Winter Prep for Spring, cont’d from pg. 1 In Southeast Harris County, Master Gardeners from the Genoa Herbs & Peppers Spring Sale is scheduled at the same location Friendship Gardens will hold their Fruit Tree & Tomato Sale for March 30, 2019. on February 23, 2018 at Campbell Hall, Pasadena Fairgrounds, Check our website at https://hcmga.tamu.edu/plant-sales/ 7600 Red Bluff Road, Pasadena, TX 77507. The Perennials, for updates.

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Herb of the Month - Sage ( elegans) by Karen McGowan, Master Gardener

Although likely biased because of my affection for all things red, referring to the healing properties long attributed to . Herbal- it is my feeling that every indoor and outdoor room should have a ists have widely recommended this perennial for any number of touch of red in it. Also, there is something endearing about a plant ailments. that is both functional as an herb and ornamental in the garden. With Pineapple sage is a rangy, semi-woody to herbaceous shrub that vibrant whorls of red blooms and chartreuse foliage contrasting beau- produces an open-branched clump of erect, square stems covered tifully with virtually all other plants, enduring, perennial pineapple with yellow-green leaves. Its tall stems are susceptible to wind dam- sage offers all these advantages. age, often breaking off at the base; therefore, light staking or other Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is one of about 700 species of protection from the wind is advisable. Opposing, ovate leaves are salvia belonging to the mint () family. two to four inches long, with serrated edges. This sage can grow up This perennial understory shrub is native to the to five feet tall and three feet wide, but cultivars are usually much edges of pine and oak forests in the Sierra Madre shorter. Fast growing, pineapple sage will die back to the ground del Sur mountains of Mexico and Guatemala, with a hard frost, but in south Texas will grow back in the spring, where it is typically found growing in large natu- quickly rebounding and producing tubular, scarlet-red flowers that ralized clumps at woodland peripheries from are attractive to both butterflies and . The chartreuse 6,000 to 9,000 feet in elevation. This “elegant foliage contrasts beautifully in the garden with dark green, provid- salvia” produces a pineapple fragrance and flavor ing both a color and textural pop, even when not blooming. when its foliage is crushed, hence the common While pineapple sage can be grown from seed, it is best propa- name, “pineapple sage.” The plant was first gated by cuttings. The plant enjoys full sun but does appreciate introduced as an ornamental plant in the some light shade in the hottest summer months. Plants should be formal garden around 1870. Both the flowers situated in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, 24 to 36 inches apart. and leaves of pineapple sage are edible; Upon harvesting, try freezing both leaves and flowers in ice flowers may be used as a garnish or cube trays for a beautiful addition to drinks; add chopped foliage added to fruit cocktails or salads. Leaves to salads and soups, and garnish baked goods containing traditional may be added to salads or to both hot pineapple with this beautiful herb for a wink to the inner ingredi- and iced teas. In any case, this sage is best ents. Enjoy! used fresh, as it does lose flavor at high temperatures. Utilized extensively in Mexican traditional medicine, particularly in the treatment of anxiety, SSage is derived from the Latin word salvere meaning “to save,”

Citations: https://wimastergardener.org/article/pineapple-sage-salvia-elegans/ Pineapple sage https://bonnieplants.com/product/pineapple-sage/ https://www.specialtyproduce.com/produce/Pineapple_Sage_1160.php

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Plant of the Month, cont’d from pg. 3 selectively remove about 20% of older branches during dor- 40 years old and still respond with new growth and more rounds mancy. This practice encourages new growth, smaller plants, of fruit. better harvests, and fruit that’s within reach. For comprehensive information on all aspects of growing and With the quantity of bushes on his commercial farm, selective tending blueberries, go to: pruning of individual plants proved to be impractical for Sid. In https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/archives/parsons/ January he cuts back whole bushes with a chainsaw to about 12” publications/blueberries/blueberries.html from the ground, rotating the severe pruning from section to sec- https://articles.extension.org/blueberries tion each year so that unpruned bushes are producing while the pruned bushes regrow. Many of the plants on his farm are over

1 http://counties.agrilife.org/galveston/files/2012/03/Fruit-Nut-Production-Rabbiteye-Blueberries.pdf

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Visit the Harris County Master Gardeners Facebook page for event details! www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyMasterGardeners

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in partnership with Hermann Park Conservancy are please to present Master Gardeners in the City at McGovern Centennial Gardens

Saturday, January 12th & 26th McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park 1500 Hermann Drive Houston, Texas 77004

Events include garden tours and children activities.

These educational programs are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas cooperating.

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Ask a Master Gardener

Ask a Master Gardener is a volunteer program offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Volunteers staff booths and tables to provide free, research-based horticulture education to the public throughout Harris County. In January we are going to be in the following locations!

Jan. 5 Urban Harvest - 1st Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 3401 Westheimer Rd. (corner of Buffalo Spdwy. & Westheimer)

Garden Oaks/Heights - 1st Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. at The Farmstand, 938 Wakefield, Houston

Jan. 12 Tomball - 2nd Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 205 W. Main Street, Tomball

Jan. 17 Westchase - 3rd Thursday, 3-7 p.m. at 10503 Westheimer Rd, Houston

Jan. 20 Town Lake - 3rd Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 9955 Barker Cypress Rd., Cypress

Jan. 26 Memorial Villages - 4th Saturday, 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at 10840 Beinhorn Rd., Houston

8 URBAN DIRT • JANUARY 2019 Open Garden Days at Genoa Friendship Gardens

The Orchard The Water Garden The Greenhouse

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Harris County Master Gardeners invite you to join us Open Garden Days on the 3rd Monday of the month, March through October, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Admission to the Exhibit Gardens is free, and register at the Welcome Table to receive additional monthly notices for children and family events. The Genoa Friendship Gardens is located at 1202 Genoa Red Bluff Road Houston, Texas 77034 Email: [email protected] Phone: 713.274.0950

To schedule a special event for your garden club, school or professional organization please contact us to make your arrangements.

• Tour the variety of exhibits to inspire you with vegetable, perennial, rose, tropical and native gardens. • Meet and talk with a Master Gardener about planting citrus, fruit or berries for your home orchard. • Contemplate the joy in the Serenity Garden and catch a view of the Water Garden. • Don’t leave the GFG until you have shopped the Greenhouse where seasonal herbs, vegetables and perennials are available for sale until September.

2019 Monthly Open Garden Days & Special Events February 23 Fruit Tree Sale June 17 Open Garden Day March 18 Open Garden Day July 15 Open Garden Day March 30 Spring Plant Sale August 19 Open Garden Day April 15 Open Garden Day September 16 Open Garden Day May 20 Open Garden Day October 21 Open Garden Day

Second Chance Sale bargains can be found in the Greenhouse after our February and March plant sales.

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Gardening Tools This chart is a handy guide for knowing the best times to plant in Harris County.

Download the Vegetable Garden Planting Guide here!

10 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 3033 Bear Creek Dr. Houston, Tx 77084 713-274-0950 harris.agrilife.org/program-areas/hort/ hcmga.tamu.edu Follow Us On Facebook, Twitter & Instagram The Harris County Master Gardeners as well as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Harris County Horticulture are actively participating on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram offering tips, lists, news and plant advice almost daily. The best part, instead of locating planting guides or insect documents, and sale dates for individuals, you can add the HCMG site to your account and easily share information with others. This is a definitely timesaving for these busy garden days and helps promote our organization.

www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyMasterGardeners www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyHorticulture https://twitter.com/pharrishort https://www.instagram.com/harriscountymastergardeners

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Green Thumb Gardening Series Preparing Garden Beds & Lawns

January 10 January 17 Barbara Bush Library Freeman Branch Library 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

January 15 January 19 Spring Branch Memorial Library Maude Smith Marks Library 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

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